Developmental Assessment

1st time holding Eli (9 days old)

Today we had a developmental assessment for the boys. They did wonderfully and there are no concerns at this point. We are so relieved and excited. On the days that we do developmental assessments we also visit the NICU and see the Dr.'s and Nurses that helped our little babies. We both got a little choked up today while entering the unit. I think it just hits you sometimes that things could have ended quite differently for us. I also think that the memories of having to leave our babies there for 11wks not knowing what their fate would be overwhelm us at times. We thank God that Alex and Eli are doing so well.

We ran into a Grandma who had twin grandsons in the unit who were born at 24 wks 3 days and weighed appx 1lb. 5oz. She started crying when she spoke to us and we tried to encourage her with the story of the boys and their progress but Jared and I both wished that we could just remove this trial from them and that their little boys would be perfect and healed and HOME. It is hard to say why some of us endure certain trials while others have different ones. All of this reminded me of a story that was passed onto us from a friend called "The Smell of Rain". Some may think it sounds crazy and unbelievable but it encouraged me greatly and I believe in a God that is this big. When I was pregnant I read a lot of books and all of them talked about the need for skin to skin contact with your babies after birth. To a mother of preemies this become greatly discouraging b/c not only could I not have this contact with them at birth but I didn't even see them for 2 days and then too much stimulation tends to overwhelm them at times. This story reminded me that God had it under control. It is not for me to stress out about whether or not this lack of contact will deter them in any way. They are taken care of by their heavenly Father.

Just a swingin'

We are thoroughly enjoying the Spring weather as a family. We (ok, Jared) have grilled out the past 3 nights, we are taking walks and the boys enjoyed their first time on swings today. They loved it but Eli did get too excited and head-butted Alex a few times. Alex loves to feel the cool breeze on his face as we walk but Eli does not share his enthusiasm for the breeze or the sun in his eyes. I think we are going to invest in some shades for Eli! It has been a great few days here all of our neighbors are coming out of hibernation and enjoying this gift of sunshine. Here's to hoping it stays!!!!!

We're Back!

We made it home from Florida and had a fabulous time. We stayed with Steve and Laurel and had a lot of fun with them and Nathaniel, Allie and Teddy. I had so much extra help! Above is a picture of Jared and Steve in their beautiful neighborhood complete with Spanish Oak trees. Jared has been off all this past week and went back today. It is always an adjustment after long breaks but we are getting back into the swing of things today. The boys had a lot of firsts while there. First time sleeping away from home (other than the NICU of course), first time enjoying a pool, first plane ride, first time in big boy car seats, first time in a high chair at a restaurant. I know you may be thinking that they are almost one and you cannot believe they are just now having these firsts BUT we are a little overprotective :) We loosened up quite a bit on this trip and even let some strangers hold the boys on the plane!! We were desperate for extra arms and when a couple of nice elderly ladies asked we were all for it. We enjoyed the sunshine and 80 degree weather and yet it is always nice to be home. We have begun the countdown and the boys will be 1 in less than a week. I cannot believe it!

New Playlist!

I woke up at a ridiculous hour. I did laundry, devotions, packed more for Fla. AND when I finished blog reading decided to make a playlist. It is pretty random but I love these songs. Here are some pics for the day. Again, random b/c I can't think of any sort of theme when I've been up since 4:30 a.m. Thankfully Jared's taking the boys out today so I can have a mini-break. Thank you Lord for my wonderful husband!

Sleep, Sweet Sleep

7/5/07 11wks old

What are you lookin' at?

9/3/07 20wks old

Eli's First Laugh Caught on Camera!

9/3/07 (also 20wks)

My babies are almost one! Sniff, sniff! Enjoy the music. I need coffee, lots of coffee!

Can you say obsession?

Problem? I don't have a problem :)

I was packing for Alex and Eli for Florida while they played in their room. Alex hit the jackpot and found 3 binkies. He is still using his NICU binkies. He doesn't like any other ones that we have tried. The pics cracked me up so I thought I would share. Have a great day! I almost forgot to add that today we are getting the last Synagis shot for the season!!!! I am so thrilled although probably not as much as Alex and Eli!

"Hey, I got some new shoes on....

and suddenly everythings right. Hey, I got some new shoes on and everybody's smilin' it's so inviting." Paolo Nutini - New Shoes

I put new shoes on the boys today and it was cute to watch their reactions to having shoes on for the first time. Alex kind of did a dog chasing the tail thing in order to see them. While Eli just pondered the feeling. I thought of the above song (which is on my ipod spring playlist b/c it is just so upbeat and fun) today as I walked OUTSIDE in the sunshine with my little boys. Yes, it is finally warm enough in MI to take walks that don't involve the word mall. The boys enjoyed their walk and as I walked along the streets that we Michiganders complain about, you know the ones that are so cracked and bumpy and jiggle the whole stroller, Alex giggled away. He LOVED it. It was so cute every time we hit this part during our walk he was excited. Yes God used one of the boys (again) to teach me a lesson. Lesson being, I too need to have that attitude when I hit the rough spots.

Through the experience of having preemies I believe God has taught me to appreciate most of the moments in Jared, mine and the boys life. More recently He reminded me of James 1:1 "whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy." Ok so appreciate not only the little moments but also the difficult ones. With the huge challenges in life Jared and I would "man up" so to speak but what about daily frustrations. I know that this verse was talking about all of that. He means the 3rd blow out of the day, the feel of warm spit up hitting your newly cleaned shirt, but also the friend who is ill and battling for life, the people that you know who are losing a baby, friends struggling with infertility ALL of it. I am learning that I have the desire to control these things when I am not supposed to. What he is showing me, specifically, right now is that I cannot control the boys lives. It is in his hands. This may be hitting me b/c of Eli's upcoming surgery but it is a hard lesson. I can't go through life waiting for the other shoe to drop. This was not God's intention. If you want to be inspired I encourage you to check out this blog. It is what reminded me to not only find joy in the little things but also about the freedom that comes with giving God the control. Read the story on the left about Teagan. Their story of faith in God through their loss is amazing!

Cram Session!

The boys have a developmental assessment in a couple of weeks and I think they are cramming. I guess it is possible that, like their mother, they prefer to procrastinate on some things. Eli started holding his bottle this week and clapping. He continues to army crawl and get around pretty quickly. He's learning so many new things every day. Alex has been pulling up to stand this past week and a half or so although he would pull up to his knees for quite some time before that. Look out PT and OT's here we come! :) We are so thankful for how well they are doing.

Nice form Eli!

He claps when you say "Yay Eli"!

Success! They love their remotes!